Ronda Rousey remains unyielding amid criticism, boldly asserting she is the greatest of all time in combat sports and wrestling. During a recent, wide-ranging discussion on the 700th episode of Bertcast with comedian Bert Kreischer, Rousey emphatically defended her legacy despite detractors who question her self-proclaimed status in both MMA and WWE.
Rousey’s Bold Claim Sparks Debate
The former UFC champion and WWE superstar is well-known for her confident declarations about her accomplishments. In the podcast, Rousey explained her mindset about her career and critics, underscoring that she will “die on the hill” of being the greatest ever. This attitude has polarized fans and analysts alike, with some praising her competitive spirit and others accusing her of arrogance.
A WWE insider shared, “Ronda has always had that uncompromising edge. Whether you love her or hate her, you can’t deny she made an impact wherever she went.” Though her time in WWE was relatively brief compared to her UFC dominance, Rousey’s presence elevated women’s wrestling and brought unprecedented mainstream attention[3].
From The Octagon to WWE: A Unique Career Path
Rousey’s transition from dominating the UFC as one of the most formidable female fighters ever to competing in WWE was watched with great interest. In MMA, she earned the moniker “The Smashing Machine,” tearing through opponents with unmatched skill. Her UFC Hall of Fame induction cemented her legacy as one of the sport’s pioneers[1].
When she arrived in WWE in 2018, Rousey quickly made history:
- Debuted at the 2018 Royal Rumble event.
- Won Raw and SmackDown Women’s Championships, becoming a dual-title holder.
- Headlined WrestleMania alongside Charlotte Flair and Becky Lynch in 2019, marking the first women’s main event at wrestling’s biggest stage[3].
Despite these milestones, her WWE career ended amid mixed reactions, with some insiders describing tension and others praising her work ethic.
Controversies and Criticism
Rousey’s outspoken nature has sometimes led to backlash. In 2025, a WWE Hall of Famer publicly criticized her comments and attitude toward professional wrestling:
“She basically spat in the face of the sport that helped her. People don’t forget that,” said Booker T, conveying the frustration from parts of the wrestling community[2].
Additionally, some wrestling personalities have doubted her in-ring abilities and personality fit inside WWE, claiming she was not an all-time great wrestler despite her star power[6].
On the UFC side, Rousey continues to be a polarizing figure. While UFC President Dana White has called her the biggest star in UFC history, Rousey herself has expressed bitterness towards some fans and peers, which has kept her in sharp media focus[1][5].
What Rousey Learned from WWE
Despite the turbulence, Rousey has reflected on her WWE journey as a learning experience. She acknowledges the challenges of adapting from a legitimate combat sport to scripted wrestling and understands the importance of storytelling and entertainment in that world[3].
She officially retired from pro wrestling in 2023 but remains connected to the industry and her fanbase through various creative projects, including graphic novels and a biopic in development—a testament to her lasting influence beyond the ring[3].
Backstage Perspectives: Respect and Reality
Sources close to WWE note that while Rousey’s demeanor could be “too raw” for some wrestlers used to the business’s politics, her drive was undeniable:
“Ronda approached things with a fighter’s mentality you win or lose, there’s no middle ground. That’s tough in WWE, where it’s not just about athleticism but also cooperation and character work. She made waves, and that’s not easy,” a backstage WWE producer told us.
Rousey’s Legacy: Greatest Ever or Controversial Figure?
Rousey’s self-assertion as the greatest ever forces fans and experts to wrestle with how greatness is defined. Is it crossing multiple combat sports with success? Is it influence on culture and women’s sports? Or is it about earning unanimous respect?
Her fight fans admire her trailblazing UFC career, while wrestling fans debate her WWE contributions. Either way, Rousey remains a defining figure whose career will be studied for years.